A Lake District fundraising event inspired by a family’s determination to fight back against multiple sclerosis is £73,000 away from achieving its £1 million milestone.
The 10in10 Challenge, which starts and finishes at the Swinside Inn in the Newlands Valley, celebrates its 15th year in 2026 and raises cash for the MS Society.
It is expected to welcome around 500 walkers from across the UK, Europe and America.
Founded after Duncan Booth was diagnosed with progressive multiple sclerosis at 39, the event has grown from a small act of defiance into one of the most successful community-led fundraising challenges in the country.
For organiser and Duncan’s wife Yvonne, reaching the £1 million milestone is both a proud and emotional moment.
She said: “When Duncan was diagnosed, our world changed overnight. We had three young boys and were devastated by the news.
“But we made a decision as a family that MS would not define us. We wanted our children to see that when life presents you with enormous challenges, you can still choose to do something positive.”
Fifteen years later, that decision has inspired thousands of people to take on the challenge of climbing 10 Lake District peaks in 10 hours.
Over the years, many participants have become part of the event’s extended family. Some teams have returned every year for the last decade, while others arrived having never set foot on a mountain before.
Yvonne added: “We have watched people’s lives change through this event.
“Many walkers come for the fundraising and the challenge, but they leave with so much more.
“We’ve seen confidence grow, friendships formed and a real passion for the outdoors develop. Some people who had never walked in the mountains before are now experienced fell walkers who return year after year.
“One of the most rewarding things is seeing children take part in our Five Peaks Challenge and then progress to the 10 Peaks Challenge as they get older. It shows how the event is inspiring the next generation to embrace adventure, resilience and a love of the outdoors.”
While Duncan’s MS has progressed significantly and daily life presents ongoing challenges, the 10in10 Challenge continues to provide hope, purpose and positivity for the entire family.
Yvonne added: “There have been difficult days and difficult years. Balancing family life, work, caring responsibilities and organising such a large event hasn’t always been easy.
“But every year the challenge gives us something positive to focus on. It reminds us what can be achieved when people come together for a cause they believe in.”
Nick Moberly, chief executive of the MS Society and members of his team will attend the 2026 event in recognition of the extraordinary contribution made by the challenge and its supporters.
Organisers are now calling on walkers, supporters and local businesses to help make one final push towards the £73,000 needed to reach the historic £1 million target.
